sigh deeply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sigh deeply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of disappointment, frustration, or relief, often accompanied by an audible exhalation. Example: "After hearing the news, she could only sigh deeply, feeling the weight of the situation settle on her shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Expressing disappointment

Expressing frustration

Expressing relief

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

You sigh deeply, stare at your telephone.

The Guardian - Money

If someone decides to take the open seat next to you, don't sigh deeply in dismay like Al of Gore.

The New York Times

When called by Mr. Christian to approach the makeshift coffin, patients often sigh deeply, swing their heads back or bury their faces in their hands.

The New York Times

The cynics out there will sigh deeply in resignation, even though I suspect they don't really have a clear idea of what a self-help book is (or could be).

The Guardian - Opinion

When that happens, we sigh deeply". It can take days, even weeks, for scientists to tease out those gunked-up proteins that are stuck to the edges of test tubes.

The Washington Post

All our contemporaries from that time sigh deeply when they remember that vanished epoch and say: 'That was a beautiful time.' " In a way, Kandinsky's parting words to Schoenberg capture the nostalgic spirit of this exhibition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

She sighed deeply.

The New Yorker

He sighed deeply.

The New Yorker

Just-as-High sighed deeply.

Harvard University

He then sighs deeply.

The New York Times

He sighs deeply.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sigh deeply" to effectively convey a character's emotional state in writing, adding depth to their reactions and feelings. For instance, "After failing the exam, he could only sigh deeply, overwhelmed by disappointment."

Common error

Avoid using "sigh deeply" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations involving profound disappointment, frustration, or relief to maintain its impact. Instead of saying 'She sighed deeply when the coffee machine broke', try 'She frowned when the coffee machine broke'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sigh deeply" functions as a verb-adverb construction, where "sigh" is the verb indicating the action of exhaling audibly, and "deeply" is the adverb modifying the verb to emphasize the intensity and depth of the sigh. As Ludwig AI reports, it is usable in written English and it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sigh deeply" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey profound emotions like disappointment, frustration, or relief. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media sources, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. While alternatives like "exhale deeply" or "heave a sigh" exist, "sigh deeply" effectively communicates a heightened emotional state through a deliberate exhalation. Use it judiciously to add depth and nuance to your writing, and avoid applying it to trivial situations to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply sigh

Reverses the order of the words, but maintains the same essential meaning. It sounds slightly less natural.

let out a deep sigh

Emphasizes the release of pent-up emotions or feelings through a sigh.

release a heavy sigh

Suggests that a great weight or burden has been lifted through the act of sighing.

exhale deeply

Focuses more on the physical act of exhaling, rather than the emotional context behind the sigh.

utter a deep sigh

Implies a spoken or voiced sigh, emphasizing the sound and expression.

heave a sigh

Implies a more dramatic or theatrical expression of emotion through a sigh.

audibly sigh

Highlights the audibility of the sigh, drawing attention to the sound.

sigh audibly

The focus is on the sound, making sure that someone noticed that the person is sighing.

expire heavily

Similar to "exhale deeply" but conveys a greater sense of burden or weariness.

groan inwardly

Focuses on suppressed frustration or disappointment, without necessarily an audible sigh.

FAQs

How can I use "sigh deeply" in a sentence?

You can use "sigh deeply" to express feelings of disappointment, frustration, or relief. For instance, "After hearing the bad news, he could only sigh deeply".

What are some alternatives to "sigh deeply"?

Some alternatives include "exhale deeply", "heave a sigh", or "let out a deep sigh", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "sigh deeply" and "deeply sigh"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "sigh deeply" is the more common and natural-sounding construction in English. "Deeply sigh" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sigh deeply"?

It is appropriate to use "sigh deeply" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of a sigh, often reflecting significant emotional weight or impact. It is more than just a simple sigh; it's a sigh that conveys a lot of emotion.